Sustainable Shipping:
A Frontrunner in Electric Tankers

The world’s first zero-emission all-electric tanker “Asahi” was completed in March 2022, followed by completion of its sister vessel, the all-electric tanker “Akari” in March 2023. Currently, these two electric tankers are operating as bunker vessels in Tokyo Bay. In June 2023, the hybrid electric bulker “Asuka” was completed transporting primarily wood pellets to power plants in the Kansai area.

These vessels have been equipped with various automated equipment and digital tools and smart technology to reduce the workload of crew members and improve operational efficiency.
Asahi Tanker strives to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and improve the work environment onboard, through the operation of electric vessels, and we will continue our efforts to develop new ships with our accumulated expertise.

Initiatives Toward a decarbonized future

As an initiative for the development and popularization of zero-emission electric vessels
In August 2019, Asahi Tanker established a platform to not only develop and popularize electric vessels but also to provide maritime infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies. This achievement was realized in collaboration with Exeno technologies in collaboration with Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corporation. Mtisubishi Corporation by joining the joining the technologies, knowledge, and networks of the four companies, leading to the establishment of e5 Lab Inc. New value from electric vessels will be created through these initiatives.

Environmentally-friendly vessels

Our vessels are equipped with various environmentally friendly devices.
For example, the use of antifouling paint for ship bottoms that can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 5% through the reduction of resistance on the ship hull, the use of special fins that can save approximately 5% more energy than regular ships by improving propulsion efficiency, and the installation of a device that collects microplastics contained in seawater used for engine cooling.

Umimachi Inc. for Blue Carbon and the Revitalization of the Seto Inland Sea

The Seto Inland Sea is an important region for Japan’s energy transportation sector.
Despite being the largest archipelago in Japan, it is suffering from issues such as decline in fish catches, aging and shrinking population.

In addition, the rise in sea water temperature is causing other issues leading to the collapse of ecosystems.

Therefore, we established "Umimachi Inc.,” in November 2022 to put into practice fundamental solutions to these issues.
Seaweed absorbs the CO2 dissolved in the sea, and the carbon captured by the marine ecosystem is called "blue carbon."
Umimachi Inc.,is creating blue carbon by protecting and regenerating seaweed beds in the Seto Inland Sea.
In 2023, we obtained 0.3t worth of certified CO2 blue carbon credit for our activities in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Pref.
We also hold lectures, parent-child workshops, and field tours to spread awareness through the activities of Umimachi Inc.
In the future, we plan to create more blue carbon by creating seaweed beds throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as well as utilize Asahi Tanker’s knowledge of electric vessels to realize zero-carbon maritime transportation, and for the island's energy independence through the use of renewable energy to create a beautiful Seto Inland Sea.

Environmental Activity at our Offices

Since 2018, we have actively promoted digitization, adopting the use of shared online platforms and tablets to streamline and reduce paper consumption. Our employees are encouraged to be aware of energy saving primarily through the introduction of a casual clothing initiative (Casual Biz), periodically promoting energy saving, and making label-free PET bottles available at the Company.